SQUAWK/CLUNK NOISE FROM FRT. SUSP.-REPLACE STABILIZER BUSH.

SUBJECT: FRONT SUSPENSION/UNDERHOOD NOISE CONCERNS - INSTALL NEW PARTS

MODELS/YEARS: 1985-88 FIRENZA AND 1985-91 CUTLASS CALAIS

CONDITIONS:

------------- CONDITION 1: Some 1990-91 Cutlass Calais models equipped with 2.5 or 3.3 (VIN U, N) engines may exhibit a chirping noise in the engine compartment. This condition may be caused by the transaxle mount bumper rubbing against the mount.

CONDITION 2: Some 1985-88 Firenza and 1985-91 Cutlass Calais models might exhibit a condition of a "Squawk" or "Clunk" noise from the front suspension or engine compartment area when driving over small bumps or entering parking lots (i.e. washboard road surfaces, railroad tracks). This condition may be caused by the rubber bushing material bleeding through the teflon/polyester sock and coming into contact with the stabilizer bar.

CONDITION 3: On some 1990-91 Cutlass Calais models low ambient temperatures and moderate suspension travels may result in a creaking noise from the inner tie rod bushings. This noise is very similar and should not be confused with 'stabilizer shaft bushing squawk.' The 'creak' occurs primarily at temperatures below 30 F and usually stops as the inner tie rods warm from engine heat. Lubing the inner tie rod assemblies with silicone grease may reduce the creak for a short time, but the noise will return. This condition may be caused by the tie rod bushing slipping inside of the tie rod end. This slippage is due to a change in bushing material that was found to be more sensitive to suspension travels during cold temperatures.

CORRECTIONS:

-------------- CORRECTION FOR CONDITION 1: Replace the transaxle mount bumper with a new bumper. Refer to 'Parts Information for Condition/Correction 1 " below for vehicle application and the updated part number.

Important: Before the transaxle mount bumper Is replaced, be sure the bumper is the source of the noise. Coat the bumper with a silicone base grease and test drive the vehicle. if the noise is no longer evident, replace the bumper.

1. Remove the transaxle mount from the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service manual and section for the procedure. 2. Place the mount in a vise. Refer to Figure 1. 3. Remove the bumper retaining nuts (if not removed during transaxle mount removal). 4. Remove the bumper. Lift up on the inner mount assembly until the bumper can be removed. Refer to Figure 2. 5. Install the new bumper by lifting up on the inner mount assembly. 6. Install bumper retaining nuts. 7. Remove the mount from the vise. 8. Install the transaxle mount in the vehicle.

PARTS INFORMATION FOR CONDITION/CORRECTION 1: --------------------------------------------- Years Model Engine Transaxle Bumper PIN ------- ------------- ------ ---------- ----------- 1990-91 Cutlass Calais 2.5L 3T40 - Auto 22575851 1990-91 Cutlass Calais 2.5L MT2 - Manual 22575852 1990-91 Cutlass Calais 3.3L 3T40 - Auto 22577698

CORRECTION FOR CONDITION 2: If this condition is encountered, replace both stabilizer shaft bushings with newer designed bushings. The part numbers for the new bushings are listed below:

Stabilizer Shaft Diameter Bushing Part Number(s) 22mm 22566673 24mm 22566674 26mm 22566675 28mm 22566676 30mm 10088389

CORRECTION FOR CONDITION 3: Replace the tie rods with ones containing an improved bushing material using the procedure described in the appropriate service manual. For effective repair use all parts in the kit, regardless of the original condition.

Part Number Description ----------- ------------------------------- 26032209 Left Side inner tie-rod assembly kit 26032210 Right Side inner tie-rod assembly kit

All parts mentioned in this bulletin are currently available from GMSPO.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.